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Relax, Soak and Unwind! That exactly what we all need to do once in a while; lucky for us there are lots of places to staycation.

Living in Colorado there are lots of places to escape the city for a day or a weekend. 

Recently we got a way for a day to Idaho Springs. We enjoyed a visit to Indian Hot Springs, followed by a nice drive through the mountains to get dinner at Beau Jo’s where they offer Colorado Pizza. 

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It seems like every state has something that they are know for and then there is something that the locals know about but most others would not think of it when they think of that state. When you say pizza most think of New York or Chicago, but Colorado Style Pizza is something that locals all know about. 

One of the best things is the crust and there always honey on the table to add to the crust. 

There are so many wonderful places to visit right in our own back yard. I’ve done some research and found these staycation spots for you.

When you think of Nevada, your mind might immediately go to Las Vegas and the iconic Las Vegas strip. However, Nevada is also home to some beautiful hidden gems such as Fly Geyser. 

Helen, Georgia

Helen or better known as Georgia’s Alpine village is America’s answer to the German state of Bavaria. There are so many local businesses to support in this small town and lots of arts and crafts you can get involved in. Helen also takes part in Oktoberfest, of course!

Dry Tortugas National Park 

Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands.  Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area.

Samuel H. Boardman
State Scenic Corridor

Craggy bluffs, secluded beaches, and offshore rock formations await visitors along the 12 ocean-hugging miles of Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor, located between Brookings and Gold Beach along Highway 101.
 
This stretch of the highway features one turnoff after another, each with access to picnic areas, viewpoints and trailheads that connect an 18-mile segment of the Oregon Coast Trail.
 

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

This hidden gem in the U.S is a cluster of 21 islands on the waters of Lake Superior.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is great for anyone who loves outdoor sports as there’s so many for you to choose from. You can hike, paddle, sail, or cruise your way into discovering these little gems all over the lake.

Hamilton Pool, Texas

Hamilton Pool Preserve was designated a nature preserve by the Travis County Commissioner’s Court in 1990. Located 3/4 mile upstream from its confluence with the Pedernales River, Hamilton Creek spills out over limestone outcroppings to create a 50-foot waterfall as it plunges into the head of a steep box canyon. The waterfall never completely dries up, but in dry times it does slow to a trickle. However, the pool’s water level stays pretty constant, even during periods of drought.

Cummins Falls Tennesee

Cummins Falls is a waterfall on the Blackburn Fork River and is located in southern Jackson County, Tennessee. By volume, it is the eighth largest waterfall in Tennessee. The falls, with a total height of seventy-five feet, consist of two drops. The first has a plunge drop of fifty feet, ending in a shallow pool.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Open 24/7 year round! There are no limitations, timed entries, or reservations to visit.

The tallest dunes in North America are the centerpiece in a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. Stay on a moonless night to experience countless stars in this International Dark Sky Park!

Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks. There are 19 waterfalls in this state park and the hike is only 2 miles long! The hike takes you behind some of these waterfalls for a truly magical experience. It seriously looks like a place that should be in Lord of the Rings!

If you like a beautiful view, Watkins Glen State Park is 100% somewhere you should visit, this place is known for having the most breathtaking views of nature.

Diamond Fork Hot Springs

Diamond Fork Hot Springs is also known as Fifth Water Hot Springs.  Diamond Fork is an incredible natural beauty.   Fifth Water Hot Springs Trail is a 5 mile heavily trafficked trail located near Spanish Fork, Utah.  This a magnificent hot spring gem features a waterfall and is rated as moderate.

Plaza Blanca

Plaza Blanca is a beautiful set of white stone cliffs that provide breathtaking views and a very magical atmosphere.

If you’re an avid photographer, this hidden gem in the U.S. is a great place to practice your photography skills. With so many unusual formations you’re bound to get some stunning shots. There are also multiple hiking trails for you to check out, all with different views of the formations so you will not be disappointed.

Petrified Forest National Park

Named for its large deposits of petrified wood, this national park is located in northeastern Arizona. But there’s a lot more to this hidden gem in the U.S. than just wood. There are great hikes across the backlands, fossils, badlands, ancient petroglyphs… You can even go horseback riding!

Bodie, California

Bodie is a perfect hidden gem in the U.S for lovers of the paranormal. It’s one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the states and was once home to more than 10,000 gold-seekers. Now, over 200 structures are still standing.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Mackinac Island is a truly unique hidden gem in the U.S. and for many is considered to be an ideal vacation spot. There are no cars and no chain hotels on this island, just family-owned businesses and horse-drawn carriages!

Every state has many places that you can visit and most do not require lots of money or even staying a night (unless you want to); this is just a quick peek at some hidden gems in the USA. Look around you state and enjoy the beauty that is all around us. 

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